Life, death focus of ‘Whose Life Is It Anyway?’

It’s a matter of life and death in Corinth Theatre-Arts’ “Whose Life Is It Anyway?”
The drama tells the story of a young sculptor, Ken (Leland Hendrix), who is paralyzed in a car accident, and he doesn’t want medical technology to keep him alive. Dr. Joan Scott (Hayley Maxedon Anderson) is on his side, but everyone else is trying to convince him he has a full life to lead.
“This deals with what it means to be human,” said director Cristina Skinner. “There’s not a good guy or a bad guy in this – it’s about moral principle. It challenges us to look at this kind of theater.”
Hendrix has had an interesting time playing Ken.
“He realizes he has no control over (life),” he said. “He can’t control his body, but he can control his mind and the people around him.”
Playing a character who can’t move has been a challenge for the actor.
“I’ve had to fight the urge to gesture. I’ve had to utilize my head and neck and facial expressions,” he said.
Anderson, who plays Ken’s doctor, is also feeling the effects of playing against an immobile actor.
“I feel like I need to be in constant motion,” she said. “I get very frustrated on his behalf and it comes across.”
Hendrix hopes the play starts a conversation about life, death and what life is all about.
“It’s not tragic – you’re left with a feeling of wonder. You wonder what happens next, and you wonder how you’d feel in this situation,” he said. “I really enjoy this kind of theater that starts a dialogue and asks questions.”
sheena.barnett@journalinc.com

Dim The Lights
What: Corinth Theatre-Arts presents “Whose Life Is It Anyway?”

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Costs: $12/adults, $6 /students

INFO: (662) 287-2995

EXTRA: This play is rated restricted due to mild language and adult content, and is not recommended for children.